Throughout all the years of the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson, the one person who was Johnny's most frequent guest, over 130 visits, was what comedian?

For three decades, the guest couch next to Johnny Carson's desk was the most coveted seat in show business. While thousands of stars passed through, one legendary entertainer holds the record for the most visits. With over 130 appearances spanning Carson's entire 30-year run, comedian Bob Hope was the show's most frequent and reliable guest.

Their on-air relationship was a unique blend of friendship and professional respect between two titans of American entertainment. When Carson took over "The Tonight Show" in 1962, Hope was already a massive star from his work in film, radio, and his famous USO tours. For Carson, having Hope on the show was a mark of prestige. For Hope, it was the single best platform to connect with a national audience and promote his numerous television specials and charity events.

This enduring partnership is perfectly bookended by two key appearances. Hope was the very first guest on the show's inaugural color broadcast in 1966, a major television milestone. Twenty-six years later, in a fitting tribute to their long history, Carson invited Hope to be one of the final guests during his emotional last week of shows in May 1992. These appearances cemented Hope's status not just as a frequent visitor, but as a foundational part of the Carson era.